Student Protests on Oct. 7 Anniversary Spark Outrage

Plans for pro-Palestine protests on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel have been condemned as "provocative" and "outrageous." Student activists intend to march between four London universities on the third anniversary of the attacks in which Hamas killed over 1,200 civilians and took 251 hostages.

The protest is being promoted on social media by a coalition of student activists who state their aim is to "take to the street" to "demand an end to the Palestinian genocide." The University of London Coalition, which describes itself as opposing ties between university management, weapons firms, and the British state profiting from conflict in Palestine, is advertising the event. The planned route would take activists from King's College London to the London School of Economics, Soas University of London, and University College London.

Raphi Leon, president of the Union of Jewish Students, criticized the timing of the demonstration, stating that "There are 365 days of the year. The decision to protest on this day is provocative, deliberate and must be condemned to the fullest extent." He noted that the day is one of mourning for Israeli families.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell echoed these sentiments, telling LBC Radio that the anniversary should be marked with "deep mourning for those who lost their lives and those who were victims of that terrible Hamas attack." She added, "I stand shoulder to shoulder with my Jewish community here in Manchester as well as those who are really appalled by what's unfolded in Gaza too, and I think we can occupy all those positions without causing further division amongst our communities." Powell indicated that police were prepared to "take action" if the protests resulted in "wider harm."

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were aware of the event and in contact with organizers to assess the potential impact. A police spokesperson stated, "We are committed to upholding people's lawful right to protest. But we are aware of the concern that this event will cause many Londoners, particularly the capital's Jewish communities." The force clarified that while they do not grant permission for protests, they have the legal power to impose conditions on organizers under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

This planned demonstration follows a similar protest last year, which Sir Keir Starmer characterized as "unBritish" and disrespectful. Reports indicate an increase in antisemitic attacks both within universities and in wider society across the UK during the conflict. In a separate incident on Sunday, two men were arrested in Manchester on suspicion of a terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community, occurring on the eve of Yom Kippur.